The Tristar Group has expanded its fleet with a biofuel-electric bunkering barge, the first in the region, setting a new standard for sustainable maritime operations. This vessel is now serving at the Port of Fujairah, under a time-charter agreement with TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East.
Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO of Tristar Group, together with Thomas Vigneron, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East, unveiled the 750-cubic-metre Tristar Eco Voyager. This vessel boasts a hybrid engine powered by both electric and biofuel sources, alongside an advanced powertrain system.
“Delivering a groundbreaking vessel like the Tristar Eco Voyager is a true honor, but it represents more than just innovation or a fleet addition,” stated Mayne. “It embodies our commitment to leading the maritime industry towards cleaner energy and lower-carbon logistics. We take pride in setting this example.”
TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East, a subsidiary based in Dubai, has chartered the hybrid barge to enhance its Lubmarine division’s ship-to-ship operations in Fujairah.
Mayne highlighted the strong partnership between the two companies: “Our decades-long collaboration with TotalEnergies is further strengthened by this pioneering sector solution, reinforcing our shared dedication to a sustainable future.”
Vigneron concurred: “Partnering with Tristar Group on launching the region’s first hybrid bunkering barge boosts our operational capacity and underscores our commitment to promoting positive change in the UAE through innovative and sustainable practices.”
The Tristar Eco Voyager’s cutting-edge hybrid propulsion and technical features align with the goals of Tristar and TotalEnergies for cleaner shipping practices. Its engine supports a combination of electricity and biofuels, offering operational flexibility and significantly reduced emissions. The barge is expected to lower CO2 emissions by about 35% compared to traditional models, with planned electric charging setups at the Port of Fujairah allowing for nearly full electric operation and zero emissions while docked.
This pioneering barge also reflects the UAE’s dedication to sustainable solutions. In June 2024, Mayne presented the concept to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a World Environment Day event in Abu Dhabi. During talks on environmental initiatives, President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and the role of individuals, companies, and communities in combating climate change.
The Tristar Eco Voyager is a practical, ready-to-deploy solution for the maritime industry’s global shift towards low-carbon shipping and improved air quality in busy ports. As the first of its kind in the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), it offers a viable path to decarbonization and encourages further investment in green technologies.
